Research projects

Below you can find the current projects of the academic staff members that act as promoter, copromoter or grant holder (FWO/IWT). It concerns only those research projects and mandates that were acquired after an external or internal competition.

Joint efforts for the Elimination of Malaria in the Peruvian Amazon

Abstract

Malaria burden severely affects the population living in the Peruvian Amazon, which is also affected by low-living conditions. Currently, the Peruvian government has launched the Malaria Elimination program in the Amazon and requires evidence-based research to improve its program. UNAP is the main university in the Peruvian Amazon and is looking to become a key role player on the development of the region by supporting this elimination initiative. The first steps of supporting UNAP becoming more active on research were initiated through a triangular collaboration between UNAP, UPCH and UAntwerp in 2016 (VLIR SI). Here by, we intend to continue and strengthen this collaboration by actively developing educational and research capacities on epidemiology, data analysis and population genetics at UNAP. Constant training through students/professors exchange, courses given by UAntwerp/UPCH professors at UNAP and joint research related to malaria elimination tools encircle the strategy proposed on this VLIR TEAM project.

Researcher(s)

Period

01/01/2018 - 01/12/2021

Multi-disciplinary approach to control onchocersiasis-associated epilepsy in the Mahenge area in Morogoro region, Tanzania.

Abstract

Despite the use of ivermectin (IVM) once annually for control of onchocerciasis (oncho) (= river blindness) in Mahenge Tanzania, the prevalence of oncho and epilepsy remains high. There is increasing evidence that epilepsy is a complication of oncho and that treatment of oncho can not only eliminate blindness but also reduce epilepsy. Our proposed project aims to: 1) strengthen the multi-disciplinary research capacity for the prevention of oncho and epilepsy in Tanzania. We will establish an oncho-associated epilepsy (OAE) research group to support a master and a PhD-level student in the development of research protocols addressing OAE in the Mahenge region; 2) reduce the prevalence of oncho and the incidence of epilepsy in the Mahenge area by: a) establishing a surveillance system for early diagnosis of epilepsy; b) strengthening and implementing an effective community distribution of IVM; 3) Implement evidence-based guidelines to treat OAE by training local health care workers; 4) introduce community advocacy on epilepsy, epilepsy-associated stigma and discrimination.

Funding(s)

VLIR UOS TEAM programme: 300.000€

Researcher(s)

Promotor: Colebunders Robert

Co-promotor: Weckhuysen Sarah

Period

01/01/2018 - 31/12/2021

Improved infectious diseases research and surveillance in Ethiopia through capacity building in bioinformatics and sequencing.

Abstract

Even though bioinformatics and genomics are relatively new biomedical disciplines, they have already made important contributions to the health of patients and populations. Bioinformatics and genome sequencing ca-pacity in Ethiopia is however extremely limited. African scientists are well positioned to play an important role in sequencing-based surveillance and research because the cost of sequencing technologies has dropped dra-matically, internet connectivity is constantly improving, and bioinformatics software tools are often freely availa-ble. We propose to develop sustainable capacity in bioinformatics and sequencing surveillance and research through an academic collaboration between Ethiopia, South Africa and Belgium. We selected topics of local public health importance: hospital acquired infections, vector borne diseases and tuberculosis. For these dis-eases, sequencing can significantly improve diagnostics, surveillance and control, thus contributing to better health of the population of Ethiopia.

Funding(s)

VLIR UOS Joint project, 150.000€

Researcher(s)

Promotor: Van Rie Annelies

Period

1/01/2018 - 31/12/2020

Epidemiology and social medicine (ESOC)

The cognitive, psychomotorical and physical impact of malaria and other (infectious) diseases in school aged children

Abstract

Malaria and anaemia are major causes of morbidity and mortality in children. Declining malaria has changed the shifted the burden of malaria to school children. Chemoprevention strategies using sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) was shown to prevent the incidence of malaria and anaemia in infants and school children in an area with low SP resistance. However, it is not clear whether this observation can be generalised to areas with high SP resistance. High levels of SP resistance are recorded in Eastern and Southern Africa and therefore alternative options needs evaluation as SP resistance continue to spread in the continent. There is, therefore, an urgent need to identify alternative drugs that could be used for IPTsc instead of SP. In addition , soil transmitted helminths co-morbidities continues to be unacceptably high in school-aged children, thus strategies for interrupting transmission needs to be optimized . We propose a randomized clinical trial to comparing the efficacy and safety of IPTc using dihydroartemisinin plus piperaquine and SP with piperaquine versus SP in high SP-resistance area.

Funding(s)

Researcher(s)

Period

01/01/2017-01/12/2020

Scaling-up Packages of Interventions for Cardiovascular disease prevention in selected sites in Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa: An implementation research (SPICES)

Abstract

The overall research objective of the SPICES project is to implement and evaluate a comprehensive CVD prevention and control program in five settings: a rural & semi-urban community in a low-income country (Uganda), middle income (South Africa) and vulnerable groups in three high-income countries (Belgium, France and United Kingdom) as well as to identify and compare the barriers and facilitators across study contexts. The project will be evaluated using a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods. At the beginning of the project, we will conduct baseline assessments including literature reviews, formative studies, household surveys (where feasible) and learn lessons from other projects to understand healthcare and lifestyle practices, barriers, and facilitators. A costeffectiveness and cost benefit analysis will be included. In addition, the teams will conduct site exchanges visits to learn from each other and organise policy dialogues to ensure sustainability and maximise impact of the interventions.

Funding(s)

Researcher(s)

Principal investigator: Bastiaens Hilde

Co-principal investigator: Anthierens Sibyl

Co-principal investigator: Van geertruyden Jean-Pierre

Co-principal investigator: Van Royen Paul

Research team(s)

Period

Website

Research on European children and adults born preterm (RECAP)

Abstract

The project's overall aim is to improve the health, development and quality of life of children and adults born very preterm (VPT, < 32 weeks of gestation) or very low birth weight (VLBW, < 1500g) – approximately 50 000 births each year in Europe – by establishing an ICT platform to integrate, harmonise and exploit the wealth of data from 20 European cohorts of VPT/VLBW children and adults and their families constituted from the early 1980s to the present, together with data from national registries.

Funding(s)

Researcher(s)

Principal investigator: Lebeer Jo

Co-principal investigator: Merckx Joanna

Co-principal investigator: Van Rie Annelies

Research team(s)

Period

Website

Development of a Centre for Whole Genome Sequencing studies of Mycobacterium.

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is a global problem, with > 9 million cases annually and rising numbers of multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB). In the 1990's, IS6110 DNA fingerprinting revolutionized the study of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). Using this technique, I performed groundbreaking studies that proved exogenous reinfection, challenged the dogma that most TB cases are due to re-activation of latent infection, opposed the belief that most MDR-TB is acquired, and demonstrated mixed infection (NEJM 1999, JID 1999, Lancet 2000, AJCCRM 2005). The recent development of high-throughput, relatively low-cost whole genome sequencing (WGS) raises again the promise of significant gains in molecular epidemiology of MTB. Arriving at new paradigms however demands that inferences of WGS data on phylogeny, transmissibility, virulence and resistance are contextualized and integrated with clinical and demographic meta-data in large-scale studies to test the hypotheses generated by small-scale studies on isolates collected in low TB burden countries. As a clinical and molecular epidemiologist, I propose to establish and direct a multidisciplinary Centre for WGS studies of MTB at the University of Antwerp. The Centre will embed itself in the molecular microbiology laboratory of Prof Herman Goossens, who has substantial expertise in WGS research of pathogens other than MTB. The Centre will work in close collaboration with Prof Robin Warren of the South African Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research (CEBTR), Stellenbosch University. Access to the ~50,000 MTB strains in the CEBTR biobank will provide a unique opportunity for the Centre to perform molecular epidemiological MTB studies that address ground-breaking basic science and molecular epidemiological questions. To maximize the public health gains of WGS, we will focus on studies of MTB transmission dynamics in a high TB burden setting, the role of epistatis in emergence of drug resistance, MTB adaptation to drug pressure, and within-host MTB diversity.

Funding(s)

FWO

Researcher(s)

Principal investigator: Van Rie Annelies

Period

01/10/2016 - 30/09/2021

An investigation into the geographical distribution, host species, burden of disease and optimal diagnosis and treatment of Emmonsia hoerikwaggiana infections.

Abstract

Our group has discovered a new species of dimorphic fungal infection in South Africa. This is the first new species of dimorphic fungus that infects humans to be found for over 50 years. We have named the organism Emmonsia hoerikwaggiana. It causes severe disease and, if untreated, death in persons with poor immune function such as those infected with HIV. We know very little about this fungus. We will investigate its ecological niches, its geographical range, which organisms it usually infects, what the prevalence is of human infections and how these infections manifest. In addition we want to do further investigations into the risk factors for human infection and the optimal diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Funding(s)

Researcher(s)

Period

Partner programme (2010-2019) for Institutional University Cooperation between University of Limpopo, Republic of South Africa and the Flemish Universities.

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand VLIR. UA provides VLIR research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

The overall program focus is on “Human Wellness in the context of Global Change - finding solutions for rural Africa”, with 6 project focus areas:

Data management, statistical analysis and GIS

Prevention, control and integrated management of chronic diseases

Multiple literacies

Laboratory science and public health management of sexually transmitted infections

The impact of land-use on functions of the Limpopo and Oliphant’s river systems

Food security

These focus area entails research, teaching and community outreach activities. The overall objectives are to strengthen capacity of staff and students, research, and community engagement through integrated, multi-disciplinary research projects, ultimately aimed at rural community beneficiation.

Website

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand VLIR. UA provides VLIR research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Funding(s)

Researcher(s)

Period:

01/12/2014-30/11/2018

Set up of HPV reference centre and establishment of HPV research network within the African.

Abstract

HPV is the main, almost unique cause of cervix carcinoma in adult women. Unfortunately, currently, many African countries lack comprehensive data on the circulating HPV types and Africa may harbor a variety of unexplored circulating HPV types which are uniquely distributed in various cancers and benign lesions.
This NSS initiative will establish a HPV research network between several VLIR partners of whom some are already conducting HPV and/or cervix carcinoma research with own VLIR-UOS funding.

Funding(s)

Researcher(s)

Period

Website

Joining efforts to detect and control Plasmodium falciparum resistance in East and Central Africa.

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand VLIR. UA provides VLIR research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Funding(s)

VLIR

Researcher(s)

Period

01/07/2014-30/06/2016

The control of intestinal worms and schistosomiasis in Burundi.

Abstract

The final aim of this research will be to provide new strategies and tools to detect schistosomiasis in a context in which the estimated current prevalence is below 10%. This project will provide a proof of principle of new possible approaches in alternative to blanket mass drug administration in view of the elimination of schistosomiasis and possibly other worm infections in Burundi.

Funding(s)

Researcher(s)

Periode

01/02/2014-01/12/2017

Bridging the gap between clinical epidemiological research and the community by strengthening community health research.

Abstract

Despite evidence based policies, drug availability for most common diseases varies dramatically from place to place. Furthermore, health professionals have acquired limited competences to manage an operational district after graduation. Through qualitative and quantitative research projects we will assess various human behavioural aspects which may affect directly or indirectly the genesis and spread of drug resistance. Equally, we will assess the quality and quantity of the medicines availabele and assess the level of drug resistance of circulating pathogens.

Funding(s)

FED. INST.

Researcher(s)

Period

01/07/2013-30/06/2018

The relevance of the family in adressing food, health and environment insecurity.

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand VLIR. UA provides VLIR research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Period

Website

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand VLIR. UA provides VLIR research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Funding(s)

FED. INST.

Researcher(s)

Period

01/06/2012-30/05/2015

European and South African HIV co-infection research consortium (ESAHIV coinfRes).

Abstract

The overall aim of the proposed staff exchange program is to establish a long lasting collaboration between South African and European research teams involved in HIV coinfection research. This effort ultimately should lead to new ways to improve the
care/treatment for patients with HIV co-infections and to decrease the high mortality among persons with HIV infection in Africa.

Funding(s)

EU-KADER

Researcher(s)

Period

01/11/2011-31/10/2015

Combining Xpert and GIS to identify areas with high TB transmission

Description:

The research investigates the use of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay cycle threshold as a measure of MTB infectious pressure and lay the ground work for innovative advanced surveillance of TB transmission as well as the development of novel, targeted interventions to help break the cycle of transmission of drug sensitive and drug resistant TB

Partner(s)*:

South Sudan Nodding Syndrome Study. A study into the epidemiology, aetiology and outcome of nodding syndrome in South Sudan

Abstract:

It is proposed to conduct an integrate program combining a case- control design with a detailed descriptive study using a phased approach. In the first phase a pathogen discovery programme will be applied on a limited number of NS patients and a group of controls using state of the art next generation sequencing and microarray-based methods on samples obtained from children and black flies. The focus of the second phase of the study will depend, in part, on the outcome of first phase: If a possible pathogen is identified the focus in the second phase will be on further identification of this pathogen. If no pathogen is identified, a detailed descriptive aetiology studies will be started using a case- control design and investigating all possible aetiologies previously indicated. Irrespective of the outcome of phase 1, in the second phase a surveillance study will also be started of all NS cases in the four most affected counties of South Sudan, next to a long term follow up of a selected group of NS cases and controls. This 3 years program will be conducted in close collaboration with South Sudanese, Dutch and Belgium NS and paediatric research experts and will be built on existing NS research and support activities already in place in South Sudan. Expected outcome: There is a significant chance that the true aetiology and the risk factors for NS will be identified and that the NS epidemiology in South Sudan will be clarified with respect to incidence, prevalence and disease progression. In addition, the study will create a platform for treatment intervention studies and will inform local health authorities how to improve their disease management and prevention strategies.

Funding:

Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development (AIGHD)
Academic Medical Centre
University of Amsterdam

Co-Applicant:

Prof. Robert Colebunders

Period:

01/01/2015 - 31/12/2017

Nodding Syndrome: a trans-disciplinary approach to identify the cause and decrease the incidence of river epilepsy (NSETHIO)

Abstract:

Nodding syndrome (NS) is a neurological, incurable syndrome, currently affecting mainly children between 5 and 15 years of age in South Sudan, Uganda and Tanzania. Since 1950, when NS was first described, its cause has remained a mystery. NS is characterized by head-nodding (an atonic form of epilepsy), often followed by clonic - tonic seizures, developmental retardation and faltering growth. In the affected regions, NS is a major public health problem associated with severe socio-economic consequences. After exploratory missions to South Sudan, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), we gathered epidemiological evidence that supports the hypothesis that NS is a disease caused by a pathogen transmitted by blackflies, the vectors that transmit the parasitic worm that causes onchocerciasis. We hypothesise that the same disease is also endemic in other onchocerciasis hyper-endemic regions e.g. in the Mbam valley, Cameroon and the Orientale Province, DRC (where it is referred to as “river epilepsy”). In this project we aim to investigate our hypotheses in South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, Cameroon and the DRC with a trans-disciplinary approach including clinical-epidemiological, post-mortem, eco-entomological, and metagenomic studies. We will study the effect of vector control methods and ivermectin distribution on the incidence of river epilepsy. So far a multi-country study on NS was never done and nearly all previous studies were cross-sectional, carried out during short country visits. With this long term research plan we hope to finally discover the cause of NS and detect effective control strategies to decrease the incidence of epilepsy in onchocerciasis endemic areas.

Funding(s)

Researcher(s)

Partner:

Period

13/03/16 - 31/12/2017

Joint project to strengthen research skills on molecular epidemiology and to uncover malaria transmission features relevant for its control in the Peruvian Amazon

Abstract

The present project seeks to fulfil the academic capabilities of UNAP by improving quality of research and education. The project relies in the formation of a triangular structure of academic and educational collaboration between the UNAP (public university, academically weak but with high potential as key player in the development of Amazon population), UPCH (well-stablished university will lead UNAP on the project) and UA (supporting the capacity building). The VLIR Sl project will strengthen the academic and operational capacities on molecular epidemiology through active coaching and training in epidemiology, biostatistics and population genetics. From the start of the project UA will provide support to the Peruvian partners on population genetics analysis for which a computer cluster and the respective training will be provided in Peru.